A few moments later...
The door creaked open as Johnny stormed in, slightly out of breath and with a triumphant grin on his face.
"Dragged him out. Barely," Johnny said, brushing imaginary dust off his jacket. "Pretty sure he hasn't seen daylight in a week."
Reed Richards stepped into the living room, looking exactly like someone who'd been married to science and neglecting sleep in the process. His lab coat hung loosely from his shoulders, sleeves rolled up and faint burn marks across his gloves. His eyes were bloodshot, but the moment they fell on Ethan, a tired but genuine smile curved his lips.
"Congratulations on the wedding," Reed said, sitting down on the couch opposite Ethan, who was comfortably flanked by Susan and Didi.
"Thanks, Reed," Ethan said warmly, offering his hand, which Reed shook firmly.
"It's been... what, two years since we actually sat down like this? It's good to see you again."
Ethan nodded. "We'd see each other more if you didn't treat your lab like a dragon hoard."
Johnny snorted. "You need an appointment and a blood sacrifice to get him out of there."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Last time I came here, I left a pizza in the hallway and got a rejection message from his lab door."
"Hey, I ate that pizza," Johnny said.
"And this is...?" Reed looked at Didi, his scientific curiosity kicking in as he sensed something very different about her.
"Didi," Ethan said proudly before slipping his arm around her waist. "My girlfriend."
Reed blinked. "Wait—girlfriend? As in, additional? But you're marrying two women already... That's not exactly... ethical."
Susan raised an eyebrow and shot Reed a sharp look that practically screamed, 'You're one to talk.'
Johnny coughed and leaned over. "Hey, Ethan—trying to recreate the ancient kings' harems or something? How come you've got more girls than me, man?"
Ben chuckled deeply, but Ethan only smiled. "Hey, someone has to carry the torch for emotional efficiency."
"Maybe," Ben added, voice low and teasing, "it's because you burn out too fast. Your love life's like your powers—flashy, chaotic, and leaves the poor girl looking for a fire extinguisher."
"Hey!" Johnny barked before glaring at Ben. "At least I don't look like a rock and scare 'em off at first sight."
Ben narrowed his eyes, puffing out his chest. "Yeah? Well at least I don't spend more time in the mirror than a Kardashian. You got more hair gel than brain cells, Matchstick."
Johnny scoffed. "Please, the only reason people don't run screaming when they see you is 'cause they think you're part of the landscaping. I've seen garden gnomes with more fashion sense."
Ben jabbed a thick finger at him. "And I've seen fire hydrants with more usefulness. You light up, throw a few fireballs, and suddenly you think you're God's gift to women?"
"I don't think it, I know it," Johnny grinned, flashing his teeth. "Unlike you, who probably got rejected by a blind date after she felt your face."
Ben stepped forward. "Keep talking, flame-brain. One more word and I'll turn you into a campfire snack."
Johnny smirked. "Careful, Thing. I hear marshmallows scream when roasted over radioactive rubble."
Sue let out an exaggerated sigh from across the room. "Here we go again…"
Didi blinked between the two with mild amusement. "Do they always flirt like this, or is it just today?"
Johnny and Ben shouted in unison:
"We are not flirting!"
Didi just laughed. "Could've fooled me."
The room erupted with laughter, including a hearty chuckle from Ethan.
Johnny then turned toward Didi, his tone only half-joking as he pointed a thumb at Ethan. "Okay, seriously—what's so special about this guy? You girls are all over him like he's some kinda human magnet. What gives?"
The room quieted instantly.
All eyes shifted toward Didi—including Ethan's. Even he leaned in slightly, curious, almost anxious to hear her answer. He'd never really asked her that before. Maybe… part of him had been hesitant to.
Didi didn't flinch under the attention. Her expression softened, her gaze steady, and when she spoke, her voice carried a calm strength that silenced any lingering jokes. "I've come to know love in my life as a human, though I'm not sure I fully understand it yet."
"Love…" she began, her voice gentle yet deliberate, "isn't a limited resource. It's not something you own. It's not something that belongs to only one person or follows one format. It's not a race, or a title, or a game with only one winner."
A brief silence followed her words. Everyone listened, fully.
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes flicking from Johnny to Sue, then to Ethan. "Anna, Jean, Diana, and I—we care about Ethan deeply. Each of us. And we've talked about this, openly. No secrets and resentments. We made a choice to be part of something that doesn't fit a perfect mold… but it's real to us. We chose to be with him, knowing we're not alone in his heart. It's not wrong... if there's honesty and choice."
Ben raised an eyebrow. "So you're all just… cool with sharing?"
Didi smiled softly. "We're not sharing him like a possession. We're choosing each other. Every day. No one's being forced, no one's in the dark. And that's what matters. Honesty, Consent and Trust."
Susan was silent, her gaze lingering on Ethan longer than necessary. Something shifted in her eyes—a subtle change, like she was seeing him differently for this time. The look in her eyes shifted, softened—replaced by something else. Reflection? Curiosity? A hint of longing?
Reed looked genuinely intrigued now, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Statistically, that level of emotional harmony in a multi-partner relationship is extremely rare. The interpersonal dynamics alone—"
"Reed," Sue interrupted gently, "maybe not the time for data analysis."
"Right. Sorry," he muttered.
Johnny let out a low whistle. "Man. That's deep. I was expecting a 'he's hot and mysterious' speech, not a whole TED Talk on love and relationships."
Didi gave him a playful smirk. "Well, he is hot. And mysterious. But that's not the only reason why we stayed with him."
"I love him for the man he is—and for the man he's striving to become for the people in his life," Didi said softly. "I haven't known him for long, but I'm learning. And the more I learn, the more I like him."
It wasn't just about who Ethan was in the moment. It was about what they were building together—the quiet, complex beauty of choosing each other, day after day, in a world that didn't always leave space for something so unconventional.
Ethan sat up a little straighter, his gaze fixed on her. He hadn't expected that answer. Hell, he didn't even know how to process it all in one go, but the fact that she said it so openly—and without a hint of hesitation—meant something. Meant everything.
Ben whistled low. "Damn, that's… mature. Complicated, but mature."
Didi smiled. "Thanks. Death makes you think."
Reed narrowed his eyes. "Wait, what?"
Didi tilted her head in all innocence. "Hmm?"
Sue tilted her head, studying Ethan. "That kind of balance doesn't happen often. You must be doing something right."
Ethan scratched the back of his head, a bit sheepish. "Honestly? Half the time, I think they're the ones holding everything together. I'm just... lucky to have them in my life."
Reed looking up and added, "Statistically speaking, the emotional bandwidth required to maintain multiple open romantic relationships—especially among highly independent individuals—is remarkably rare. But... impressive when achieved."
Johnny stared at Ethan with squinted eyes, mock suspicion in his tone. "So what is it, then? Some hidden pheromone? Alien cologne?"
Susan rolled her eyes, "Or maybe, Johnny, it's just that some people don't need to brag to be confident. Ethan doesn't pretend. He listens and understands. That's rarer than you think."
"Yeah, yeah," Johnny grumbled before slumping on the couch. "Still think I need to check him for mutant charm glands."
Didi leaned toward Ethan before nudging him playfully. "You want me to start a fan club?"
Ethan chuckled, finally relaxing. "Only if I get a badge and a theme song."
Everyone chuckled—except Reed, who was still trying to comprehend the ethical math behind Ethan's relationship model.
Then Ethan smiled softly and decided it was time to change the subject. The weight in Reed's eyes told him there was something bigger on his mind anyway.
"So, Reed," Ethan said before leaning forward with a grin. "What's got you so locked away up there? What's been cooking in that overclocked brain of yours? Other than existential dread and caffeine fumes? Don't tell me you're trying to recreate the Big Bang again."
Johnny chuckled. "Or build another toaster that talks?"
Reed exhaled and reached into his lab coat, pulling out a compact device no bigger than a phone. Its interface shimmered with alien code and holographic readings.
"I've been working on this for a few days," he said, placing it on the table. "It's a temporal-particle tracker—a kind of multi-spectral energy radar."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "That sounds like you named it to make it sound cool."
Reed smiled faintly. "Cool or not, it picked up something. A strong energy signature. Unfamiliar. Extraterrestrial. It's moving toward our solar system. Based on current speed, it'll arrive by tonight or tomorrow morning."
The room stilled.
Ben leaned forward, brow furrowed. "And I assume you're calm because it's not dangerous?"
Reed shook his head. "I ran every simulation, cross-checked all available data. There's no aggressive signal, no radiation spikes. As far as my readings go—it's harmless."
Ethan narrowed his eyes slightly. 'So basically, there's a 200% chance it's not harmless.'
Johnny rubbed his chin. "So what, it's like a weird alien Amazon package heading our way?"
"I just want to be prepared," Reed replied calmly. "I'm monitoring it around the clock."
Ethan leaned back and made a mental note. If Reed says it's harmless, better treat it like a nuke with a smiley face sticker.
But today wasn't the day to dive into cosmic problems. At least, not yet.
"Well then," Ethan said, stretching his arms over the back of the couch. "Since doomsday's been scheduled for tomorrow, what say we enjoy the rest of the day?"
Ben grinned. "Sounds like a plan. I say pizza, pool, and kicking Johnny's flaming butt in video games."
"You wish, gravel-face," Johnny shot back. "I've been practicing."
"You mean burning the controllers again?" Ben countered.
Susan giggled while Reed just shook his head with a fond sigh. Didi leaned her head lightly against Ethan's shoulder, eyes sparkling with amusement.
And for a brief moment, despite the looming cosmic anomaly, things felt... good.
Like family.
...
A Few Hours Later...
Night had draped the world in a soft blanket of stars and silence. The mansion that had buzzed with life during the day was now slowly winding down.
Reed was already in his room, likely organizing his thoughts or rearranging atoms in his sleep.
Ben trundled away with a groan that could pass for a small earthquake, muttering, "If Johnny tries to prank me one more time, I'm turning him into a pile of toast."
Johnny followed close behind, yawning dramatically. "Good night, losers! And don't touch my hair products!" and a casual "don't burn the place down" remark to Ethan.
Ethan had stepped away, claiming he needed to take a call from Chloe — his ever-efficient assistant from Aeon Biotech.
That left just two souls at the wide balcony — Susan and Didi, gazing at the night sky. The gentle breeze danced through their hair, and the quiet between them felt oddly comforting.
Didi broke the silence first, her voice soft but warm. "Thanks for today, Susan. I had a great time. It was... weirdly normal. And it was fun."
Susan smiled as she sipped her juice before turning slightly toward her. "You're welcome. I'm glad you joined us."
They both chuckled, remembering moments from earlier — Ben trying to do a handstand, Johnny flaming up to roast marshmallows midair (and nearly setting Reed's hair on fire), Ethan trying not to smirk through it all.
As laughter faded into quiet again, Didi's tone turned a bit more mischievous. "…Soooooo, how long have you had a thing for Ethan?"
Susan blinked in disbelief, choked on her drink, let out a half-cough, and nearly sent the glass flying. "I—what?"
Didi raised an eyebrow with mock innocence. "Oh come on, girl. You were looking at him like a cartoon princess staring at a forbidden cinnamon roll."
Susan turned away quickly. "W-What?! That's insane! He already has four girls in his life. You think I wanna be Girl Number Five on the Ethan Carter Collectible Set? No! I mean… it's not like that."
"Mmm." Didi swirled her drink thoughtfully. "Maybe. Maybe not. But remember, Ethan's life is already chaos flavored and What's the difference when the guy's already building a multiversal harem? One more woman who actually cares about him won't break the universe. Probably."
Susan tried to glare, but her face betrayed her—red cheeks, fidgety fingers, and the inability to maintain eye contact. She exhaled slowly, eyes still focused on the sky.
"I just… I don't even know what I'm feeling," she muttered before folding her arms tightly across her chest. "I mean, yeah, I'm attracted to him. Who wouldn't be? The man literally glows sometimes. I like being around him. There's this pull, like I'm drawn to his presence without even realizing it. But is that love? Or just… admiration wrapped in awe? And what if I screw everything up?"
She exhaled shakily before glancing away. "I'm working with someone I almost married. That's complicated enough. What if Ethan takes it the wrong way? He and I—we've built something strong, something based on trust. We've been working closely on that project, and I don't want to ruin that. I don't want to lose what we already have."
Didi nodded sagely, then immediately ruined the sage image by accidentally sipping from an empty glass. She blinked, then smiled.
"Truthfully… I'm still discovering what love means. My understanding may be more seedling than tree. If you're looking for clarity, Anna or Jean might offer deeper insight—they speak the heart's language with more fluency than I do."
Susan let out a half-laugh, half-sigh, her fingers curling around the glass in her hand. "You don't sound like someone new to love."
Didi gave a gentle wink, the corners of her eyes crinkling like someone who had lived lifetimes and still found joy in moments like these. "That's kind of you to say. But truly, love isn't a syllabus. There's no course credit for getting it right on the first try. Just… listen. Not to logic, but to the quiet voice inside you. The one that speaks when the world goes still. From my observations, I believe logic's Reed's territory. You? You're allowed to feel your way through."
Susan bit her lip and looked away, her voice quiet but dry with self-aware sarcasm. "So what, I just walk up to Anna and Jean and say, 'Hey, I think I might have feelings for the guy you're marrying. Can we share custody of his heart?'".
Didi chuckled, then placed a hand gently on Susan's shoulder, her touch light but grounding.
"Life is rarely neat, Susan. And feelings are messier still. Sometimes… the leap comes before the certainty. You trust that a net will appear—or that the fall teaches you how to fly. And maybe, just maybe… you land somewhere unexpected. Like in the orbit of an immortal man who glows when he's happy, is kind when he doesn't have to be, and happens to be loved by more than one heart at once."
Susan stared at her for a long moment, blinking slowly. "You really do talk like a goddess sometimes."
Didi's smile widened, but her voice remained calm. "Comes with the immortality clause."
Before Susan could reply, a soft sound of footsteps approached. Ethan, looking perfectly casual and completely unreadable, walked over.
"Call's done. Chloe says the Japan branch is stable now and we got an offer from someone interesting," he said. "You ready to head back?"
"I'll wait in the car," Didi said, giving Susan a meaningful smile and a dramatic whisper. "Remember — leap."
And with that, she vanished down the hallway like a mischievous cat that just knocked over a priceless vase.
Now it was just Susan and Ethan, standing in the moonlight.
"Congratulations again… on the wedding," Susan said softly.
Ethan didn't respond right away. He just looked at her — really looked at her — his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers. It was intense.
Susan suddenly became acutely aware of the pounding of her heart. And it was way too much for her emotionally exhausted state.
"…What?" she asked nervously. "Why're you staring at me like that?"
He stepped closer. She instinctively stepped back, until her back lightly touched the cold steel balcony railing. His hands gently rose, not threatening, just… present — fingertips resting on her temples.
"Thank you," he said. "For everything today. For all the time we've spent together. I wanted to give you something… meaningful."
His eyes began to glow a soft crimson, and faint flames danced along his fingers. But they didn't burn. Instead, a sudden warmth spread through Susan's mind — like a veil being lifted.
Susan's eyes widened as she felt a rush of something flood her consciousness. She gasped, eyes wide, as her mental world expanded.
It was like her mind was expanding, stretching beyond its limits. Her mental walls exploded outward, unlocking psychic chambers she never knew she had.
Her powers—those invisible, mental constructs that had always been tied to her emotions and focus—were surging.
It wasn't just psychic power — it was clarity, vision, a deeper connection to her abilities. Ethan had amplified her powers using a sliver of the Phoenix Force, knowing that her strength was deeply tied to her mental state.
"Ethan... what... what are you doing?" she gasped.
"Helping," he said simply. "Your powers come from your mind. Let's evolve it."
It was too much and too fast.
Susan staggered, then collapsed — not in pain, but in pure overwhelm. Ethan caught her easily in his arms, holding her close.
"She'll need time," he whispered to himself. "Mind and body need to align."
He carried her through the halls, the weight of her body no trouble for him. Reaching her room, he laid her gently on the bed before tucking her in with care.
He brushed a strand of hair from her face and whispered, "…Thanks for liking me, Susan... even if you don't know it yet."
Then, quietly, he turned off the lights and left the room — the door closing softly behind him.
...